Lilongwe, Malawi, Eastern Africa, Africa

"Care for injured and orphaned animals and work to release them back in to the wild!"

Found in the middle of Malawi’s capital city, the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre cares for injured and orphaned animals and aims to release them back into the wild once they have recovered. This project leaves you safe in the knowledge that you are helping these amazing, exotic animals to survive. The Volunteer House provides dorm-style accommodation which guarantees comfort, whilst also completely immersing you in Africa’s wildlife as you'll be surrounded by a diverse range of animals - from roaring lions to playful monkeys! With around 200 residents to care for there are plenty of opportunities to get stuck in and lend a helping hand!

There is a fantastic array of activities for you to get involved with, from helping to release recovered animals to carrying out essential repairs. You can also help out with educating the local community on the importance of conservation, and assist with various community initiatives like an afforestation project. And of course, you'll also get the rare chance to help to care for wild animals; whether it be feeding and cleaning, or helping to hand-rear an orphan, there is something for everyone to get involved with. In the evening wind down and soak up the last of the rays in the lush on-site garden.

The Lilongwe Wildlife Centre has won several awards for the work it carries out, and was the first facility to gain ‘People and Wildlife’ (PAW) accreditation from the Born Free Foundation in 2012. Volunteers on this project help those at Lilongwe to continue their amazing work and give more animals the chance of recovery. Working with the locals helps to reduce conflict between animals and humans, and also provides people with more sustainable ways of generating income by getting them involved with the protection of their environment. Volunteers also assist with the mammal census and surveys of the surrounding ecological areas which help to identify which areas or species need further protection and conservation work.

This project has two variations. The first is for wildlife lovers and enables them to help out with the care for the animals, whilst the second caters specifically to veterinary students, giving them the opportunity to expand their knowledge and gain hands-on experience in veterinary care. In addition to animal care, volunteers can get involved in the afforestation project; this involves planting new trees and helping to reduce deforestation, thereby providing released animals with a suitable habitat. Lilongwe also educates members of the local community on the importance of preserving the environment, in the hope that they will have a positive influence in the area.

Day 1

Your experience starts here: Arrive at Lilongwe International Airport in Malawi, which is said to be Africa’s ‘friendliest nation’ and meet your project representative. After a 25 minute drive to the project site you will settle in and take a short tour of the town. You will have the chance to start exploring the centre, meeting other volunteers and some of the animals that are being cared for.

Day 2-14

Project Days: Volunteers will be able to help out with urgent tasks such as maintenance work - it all depends what's required at the time! However, there is also plenty of flexibility for you choose some of the activities you will be carrying out. Work days will be from 8am to 5pm and include options such as caring for the animals, carrying out repair work and educating the locals on the importance of conserving the surrounding environment. There may be the possibility of witnessing an animal being released back into the wild - a truly rewarding experience to be part of.

Day 15

Last Day: After saying your 'goodbyes' to the staff, volunteers and animals you will be transferred back to Lilongwe airport to return home or continue travelling, taking with you some incredible memories.

Rate Conditions

The rate shown is a 'from' price per person

Click 'Ask a Question' up above to enquire about full project dates, availability and costs

To secure a place on this project a 20% deposit is required at the time of booking, with the remaining balance due any time up to 60 days prior to your start date.

Included

A monetary contribution to the project itself

Transfers to and from the airport

Full orientation and support from the project managers

Accommodation and meals (click 'Ask a Question' up above to chat to the operator directly for more info)